World Economic Outlook, 2026

Released by: the International Monetary Fund

• Twice a year in April and October.

• The WEO Update is published in January and July, between the two main WEO publications released usually in April and October

Key Findings: 

• India has slipped to the 6th-largest economy in the world in nominal GDP terms.

• India’s GDP is estimated at $4.15 trillion in 2026, behind the United Kingdom and Japan.

• IMF projections indicate that India is likely to regain the position of the 4th largest economy by 2027. 

• It is also expected to become the 3rd largest economy by 2031, overtaking Germany.

Basis of the ranking

• The IMF calculates the ranking using 2 key variables: 

  • GDP in local currency and

  • the exchange rate against the US dollar.

• India updated its GDP estimates with a new base year in February-end. 
  • In rupee terms, India’s GDP for 2025-26 was rolled back from Rs 357 trillion (or lakh crore) to Rs 345 trillion.
• Rupee-dollar exchange rate: The value of the Indian rupee has experienced a rapid depreciation against the US dollar over the past year.